Theresa May faces FRESH REBELLION in House of Commons - this time over Heathrow expansion

THERESA May faces another embarrassing rebellion in the Houses of Parliament over the proposal to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport if she attempts to force Tory MPs to vote in favour of the plans later this month.

Related articles

Justine Greening called on Mrs May to honour her commitment and grant a free vote on the issue (Image: GETTY)

Around 930,000 people would suffer from noise pollution if a third runway is built (Image: GETTY)

I think the noise pollution, vehicular pollution, and air pollution are things that really need to be addressed

Boris Johnson

Greg Hands, a minister for trade and investment, also previously expressed his opposition to the proposal.

He said: “This Heathrow expansion will have a negative impact on Chelsea & Fulham through increased aircraft noise and other degradations to our quality of life.”

However Mrs May is considering imposing a “three-line whip” on the vote next month amid growing concerns the plans would not go ahead if given a free vote.

She had originally been expected to offer opponents of the proposal the “licence to rebel” with a free vote on the issue, but is reconsidering her position on the matter.

Ministers have also expressed their concerns offering a free vote would set a “dangerous precedent” which could force the Government to hold free votes in the Commons on future infrastructure projects.

Yet Justine Greening, former Education Secretary and vocal critic of the Heathrow proposals, commented on the suggestion of a three-line whip, stating: “I hope that the Government honours the commitment it made previously to have a free vote.

“A lot of MPs who fundamentally believe this is a bad thing will be left with no choice but to vote against a Government whip.”

A three-line whip would also force ministers including Mr Johnson and Mr Hands to vote in favour of the airport’s expansion, or face being forced to resign.

Heathrow baggage system failure causes chaos

Heathrow Airport chaos: Holidaymakers forced to fly without luggage.

But both MPs could be allowed to conduct official business outside the country when the vote takes place to avoid their resignations.

The vote will have to be held within 21 sitting days in Parliament, and there is growing concern the Government does not have the votes needed to pass the proposal.

Heathrow commented on the issue, stating: “We’re looking forward to the promised Parliamentary vote on the final National Policy Statement before the summer recess, enabling us to get on with delivering this critical project.”

Rob Barnstone, co-ordinator of the No 3d Runway Coalition, said 930,000 people would suffer from noise pollution from a third runway, close to 170,000 more than previously noted.